A Gentle First Step
The bright noon sun warmed my shoulders. Deep inside, a quiet pulse stirred. I blinked at the tiled walls beside me, then slowly eased my raised right arm forward. My heavy feet took a soft, grounded step. Just ahead stood a tiny grey-capped figure, perfectly still on the studded ground. Careful not to cause a startle, I let out a gentle, low rumble, crouched down, and rested my curved palm lightly beside its shoulder to say hello.